The New Orleans Pelicans have parted ways with head coach Willie Green following a disappointing 2-10 start to the NBA season. This decision comes after the team experienced a challenging beginning, marked by an 0-6 record and significant injuries to key players, most notably Zion Williamson, who has only participated in five games this season due to a recurring hamstring injury.
The Pelicans made history as the first team in the NBA to lose three of their first six games by at least 30 points. They also allowed at least 120 points in five consecutive games, a record for the franchise, according to ESPN Research. Their recent performance includes a four-game losing streak, capped by a 118-104 defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 10, 2023.
Assistant Coach Takes the Helm
In the wake of Green’s departure, assistant coach James Borrego has been named interim coach. Borrego, who previously served as head coach for the Charlotte Hornets, was a finalist for head coaching positions with both the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2024. He declined offers for lead assistant roles with the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets during the offseason, opting instead to remain with the Pelicans.
Willie Green’s tenure as head coach began in 2019, and he concludes his time with a record of 150-190, which includes playoff appearances in the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons. Despite his efforts to build a competitive team, the current season’s struggles ultimately led to his dismissal.
The Pelicans will now look to Borrego to stabilize the team as they aim to rebound from this rocky start. With a roster that includes talent like Williamson, the franchise hopes to turn things around as the season progresses. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Borrego can inspire the Pelicans to regain their footing in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
